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A: Stephen Ministry is a program by which specially trained laity are prepared to provide distinctively Christian care through one-on-one relationships with people going through difficult times.

A: Stephen Ministers are called and equipped for a special ministry of care-giving and support. They are laypeople who go through a process of application and interview prior to receiving 50 hours of specialized training. After the initial 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers engage in peer review and continuing education twice per month, throughout their time of service as a Stephen Minister. They are people who listen well, and share the love of Jesus Christ through their ministries of care and compassion.

A: A team of "Stephen Leaders" who have attended an intensive training event called a Leaders Training Conference (LTC). Morning Star's Stephen Leaders are Vern and Margaret Smith, and Ellen Saige. Vern, Ellen, and Pastor Jon attended their LTC in St. Louis, the headquarters of Stephen Ministry.

A: Our initial team of 8 Stephen Ministers training has already ended, the ministers were already commissioned at a worship service, and some Stephen Ministers have already met with care receivers.

A: PRAY for our Stephen Ministers as they go through their training. Early next year, we will share how the members of the congregation play an essential role in linking Stephen Ministers with potential care receivers in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers Delve Deeper into Care for Dying Despite having completed fifty hours of training before their commissioning, each month Morning Star’s Stephen Ministers examine another topic related to providing distinctively Christian care to members of our congregation and community who are lonely or are experiencing crises, changes and stress in their lives.

The March topic was “Ministering to the Dying, their Family and Friends.”
In order to extend our Stephen Ministers’ sensitivity to end of life issues, the Rev. Linda Murvine shared her perspectives on this ministry. She is eminently well qualified to address the topic, having served as Chaplain of Mesilla Valley Hospice for six years. She is currently serving as transitional pastor with the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Las Cruces.

In Galatians 6:2, St. Paul admonished us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

TO LOVE IS TO LISTEN

According to Vernon Smith, Stephen Ministry leader, “There are so many times surrounding the end of a life on earth when the care of a skilled Christian listener can be a great comfort. Many people feel that they can ‘handle’ whatever comes through their own faith, but St. Paul tells us that these trying times are better shared.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from someone to listen, pray with you and share your burdens, consider letting a Stephen Minister help. Margaret Smith, referrals coordinator, will be pleased to give you more information, or to match you with exactly the right Stephen Minister for your needs. Call her at 521-9815.

The Stephen Ministers of Morning Star Church meet twice monthly for discussion and support for each other and their ministry. Fran Boldt will be attending Leadership Training in Dallas, TX this July, giving Morning Star a total of 4 Leaders for training future classes of Stephen Ministers.

A Stephen Minister is: a child of God who walks beside a hurting person; a caring Christian friend who really listens; a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. A Stephen Minister is NOT: a counselor or therapist; a problem solver; a casual visitor.

Types of needs for care by Stephen Ministers include: Crisis Care (hospitalization, terminal illness, retirement, the stress of moving, being a victim or perpetrator of a crime, the death of a loved one, unemployment, divorce or separation, severe financial setback, natural disaster); Follow-Up Care (long-term recovery from a major health crisis, long-term adjustment to the death of a child, long-term adjustment to life changes); Chronic Care (long-term care for chronic illness, the disabled, the aged, those in nursing homes, homebound, chronic pain, living with degenerative diseases); Preventive Care (expecting a first child, approaching retirement, going off to college or the military, anticipated promotion with new responsibilities); and Supportive Care (for a person caring for a dying spouse, an adult child placing a parent in a long-term care facility, a parent of a special-needs child, a parent supporting an adult child through a divorce).

Are you, or someone you know, hurting, lonely, chronically ill or bereaved?
Do you need a listening ear and a prayer partner for whatever reason?

Please call Margaret Smith, Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, at 521-9815.



	Stephen Ministry
Office Pastor	Stephen Ministry FAQ Q: What is Stephen Ministry? A: Stephen Ministry is a program by which specially trained laity are prepared to provide distinctively Christian care through one-on-one relationships with people going through difficult times. Q: Who are Stephen Ministers? A: Stephen Ministers are called and equipped for a special ministry of care-giving and support. They are laypeople who go through a process of application and interview prior to receiving 50 hours of specialized training. After the initial 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers engage in peer review and continuing education twice per month, throughout their time of service as a Stephen Minister. They are people who listen well, and share the love of Jesus Christ through their ministries of care and compassion. Q: Who trains and oversees the Stephen Ministers? A: A team of "Stephen Leaders" who have attended an intensive training event called a Leaders Training Conference (LTC). Morning Star's Stephen Leaders are Vern and Margaret Smith, and Ellen Saige. Vern, Ellen, and Pastor Jon attended their LTC in St. Louis, the headquarters of Stephen Ministry. Q: When will Stephen Ministry begin at Morning Star? A: Our initial team of 8 Stephen Ministers training has already ended, the ministers were already commissioned at a worship service, and some Stephen Ministers have already met with care receivers. Q: How can Morning Star support Stephen Ministry? A: PRAY for our Stephen Ministers as they go through their training. Early next year, we will share how the members of the congregation play an essential role in linking Stephen Ministers with potential care receivers in our congregation and community. Questions that weren't answered here? Ask our Stephen Leaders! Stephen Ministers Delve Deeper into Care for Dying Despite having completed fifty hours of training before their commissioning, each month Morning Star’s Stephen Ministers examine another topic related to providing distinctively Christian care to members of our congregation and community who are lonely or are experiencing crises, changes and stress in their lives. The March topic was “Ministering to the Dying, their Family and Friends.” In order to extend our Stephen Ministers’ sensitivity to end of life issues, the Rev. Linda Murvine shared her perspectives on this ministry. She is eminently well qualified to address the topic, having served as Chaplain of Mesilla Valley Hospice for six years. She is currently serving as transitional pastor with the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Las Cruces. In Galatians 6:2, St. Paul admonished us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” TO LOVE IS TO LISTEN According to Vernon Smith, Stephen Ministry leader, “There are so many times surrounding the end of a life on earth when the care of a skilled Christian listener can be a great comfort. Many people feel that they can ‘handle’ whatever comes through their own faith, but St. Paul tells us that these trying times are better shared.” If you or someone you know could benefit from someone to listen, pray with you and share your burdens, consider letting a Stephen Minister help. Margaret Smith, referrals coordinator, will be pleased to give you more information, or to match you with exactly the right Stephen Minister for your needs. Call her at 521-9815. The Stephen Ministers of Morning Star Church meet twice monthly for discussion and support for each other and their ministry. Fran Boldt will be attending Leadership Training in Dallas, TX this July, giving Morning Star a total of 4 Leaders for training future classes of Stephen Ministers. A Stephen Minister is: a child of God who walks beside a hurting person; a caring Christian friend who really listens; a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care. A Stephen Minister is NOT: a counselor or therapist; a problem solver; a casual visitor. Types of needs for care by Stephen Ministers include: Crisis Care (hospitalization, terminal illness, retirement, the stress of moving, being a victim or perpetrator of a crime, the death of a loved one, unemployment, divorce or separation, severe financial setback, natural disaster); Follow-Up Care (long-term recovery from a major health crisis, long-term adjustment to the death of a child, long-term adjustment to life changes); Chronic Care (long-term care for chronic illness, the disabled, the aged, those in nursing homes, homebound, chronic pain, living with degenerative diseases); Preventive Care (expecting a first child, approaching retirement, going off to college or the military, anticipated promotion with new responsibilities); and Supportive Care (for a person caring for a dying spouse, an adult child placing a parent in a long-term care facility, a parent of a special-needs child, a parent supporting an adult child through a divorce). Are you, or someone you know, hurting, lonely, chronically ill or bereaved? Do you need a listening ear and a prayer partner for whatever reason? Please call Margaret Smith, Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, at 521-9815. Back to top of page

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